Local farmer pointed out my compost bin was too dry and now my garden beds actually produce

I started a compost pile 8 months ago and was getting frustrated because nothing seemed to break down. Last month at the community garden, an older farmer named Bob saw my pile and said "Son, you got dust not compost. It needs to feel like a wrung out sponge." So I started adding water every week and turning it more. Now I have real dark soil after 6 weeks. Has anyone else gotten a simple tip from someone that changed their whole approach?

3 comments

3 Comments

emmag2215d ago

The moisture thing is huge and Bob nailed it. I had the same problem where my pile was sitting there for months looking like dry leaves and grass clippings. Started watering it to that exact sponge feel and things actually started cooking. The turning part matters too but keeping it damp is what really gets the bacteria working. It's amazing how one little detail can make or break the whole setup.

reese_nelson15d ago

Honestly @emmag22, how often are you actually checking the moisture though? I found myself getting lazy after a week and the pile dried right back out. Do you have a set schedule for watering or just feel it out every time you turn it?

the_lucas14d ago

Wait wait wait, you're telling me yours sat there for MONTHS looking like dry leaves before you figured this out? That's wild, I would've given up way sooner honestly. I was about two weeks into my pile doing nothing before I started googling like crazy and found the whole moisture thing, can't imagine sticking with it that long.